Chinese Vertical Sign: "Fish"

Two carved fish hold up the bottom of this very tall sign.

Carvers in Zhejiang Province, China, made this vertical elm wood sign, titled “Fish,” in the mid 18th century. Trade signs of this type commonly hung outside shops in China to show what was sold. A slim board carries a circular motif near the top, a column of characters and fine carved ornament along its length. At the foot, a pair of fish with crossed tails stand on small supports, more open and sculptural than the board above. The surface is deep brown with a worn glow.

About 61 inches high. Lean it against a wall or hang it; either way it commands.